Veterinary Medicine Library

Dwarf Larkspur and Other Larkspurs (Delphinium tricorne Michx. and other species)

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Description

Dwarf larkspur is an erect, little-branched herb 1 to 3 feet tall. Its leaves,
alternately placed and slender-stalked, are deeply divided into 5 to 7 nearly separate
lobes, each lobe itself again rather deeply lobed or toothed. Its stout stem ends in a
flower-bearing part that carries several blue or white, spurred blossoms 1 to 1 1/2 inches
long. Three short-pointed rather fragile, widely spreading pods about 1/2 inch long
develop from each blossom. These pods contain numerous small, dark seeds.

The rocket larkspur (Delphinium ajacis L.), which is cultivated and sometimes
escapes, may be recognized from the above general description. It is supposed, in common
with all other larkspurs, to be poisonous.